Neon Genesis Evangelion is a 1995 anime, that is commonly regarded as the first anime that is also art. It follows the typical giant robots v. monsters trope that you see in a lot of other similar shows, however the show also functions as an allegory for depression and mental health. Overall, the battles and character design of this show is excellent, and the story epic as well, however, it’s communicated very poorly to the audience.

Neon Genesis Evangelion follows Shinji Ikari, a wimpy high school student who’s selected to pilot an Evangelion, or a robot designed to defend earth from creatures called “Angels.” Over time however, it’s revealed that there are many secrets and connections between both the angels and Evangelions, as well as the angels and humanity itself.

First off, the battles in this show are pretty fantastic. It does a great job of putting into the claustrophobic perspective of being within an Evangelion. The design of the robots and the machinery themselves is delved into throughout the show, and it’s incredibly satisfying to watch. Additionally, some of the angel designs are fascinating, with some being mysterious, while others are terrifying. Neon Genesis Evangelion also has a host of biblical allusions. This is because within the universe takes place in, humanity is not the rightful successor to earth, rather the angels are. Angels are from a creature called Adam, whole humanity, and in turn Evangelions are from a creature called Eve. Having a biblical aspect to this show makes it unique, and elevated it beyond the typical Robots v. Monsters genre that it falls in.

Additionally, the show accurately portrays depression and psychological trauma throughout many of its battles. For example, in the fight against my favorite angel from the series, Arael, one of the pilots of the Evangelions is subjected to this attack that brings up intense childhood trauma and psychological pain. In fact, the show follows the arc of the creator’s own depression, and it makes the show feel very human because of it.

The ending of the show however, is very surreal. After defeating the final angel, who was disguised as a human pilot, Shinji and his friends are interrogated by the government. They’re asked questions such as, “why do you pilot an Eva?” The responses are actually quite heartbreaking as each child is psychoanalyzed and has their faults and weaknesses brought up. Shinji pilots the Eva simply to get people to like him, and the show ends with him essentially gaining self-respect and realizing he has worth as human being besides an Eva pilot. It’s a very, very, strange ending, and it leaves a lot of questions, which are apparently answered in the movie, “the End of Evangelion.” In fact, I am planning to watch that tonight. However, although Neon Genesis has a very intricate and multi-layered story, it does a terrible job conveying it to the audience. More than once I had to scour the wiki in order to find answers. If you’re simply looking for a dumb fun show to binge, this is not it. This is a brutal, depressing, complicated show that feels like Mulholland drive with giant robots. You really have to pay attention when watching this show, and frankly it can feel a little annoying with how unclear it is sometimes.

Overall, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a very good show. I loved the design, battles, biblical allusions, and depression allegories featured throughout the show. I just wish it could’ve given the audience a straighter plot.